I want to start climbing really bad but just wondering what the cost range will be to really get into it. Tried doing some searches but nothing I could find was very specific. Are we talking like around $500 or thousands?

I'll add that a lot of people I know gradually accumulate gear. Climbing isn't for everyone, and I found it was better to just buy things as I needed them. I know more than a couple people with stuff they'll never use again sitting in a closet, whether it's because their initial interest wore off or they bought stuff they just don't need.

If you've rented equipment at the gym a few times or borrowed your friends ill-fitting shoes and you're hooked, you can get the stuff on bearbreeder's "indoor" list for around $200 without much effort. That puts you in good shape to hit the gym or to tag along with more experienced climbers. As you get progressively into climbing, you can make a more informed choice about what you need.

What you don't see on that list is the fact that it is not a one-time deal. Most likely, you will need a new pair of shoes after 4-6 months. And depending on which shoes you like, they might set you back as much as $170 for a regular-price.

Slings and dogbones getting old, cams needing re-slinging, worn out 'biners, etc. etc. It is more or less continuous process. I don't think there had been a single year when I have not bought or replaced some climbing equipment.

Oh, and you would also need some kind of bag or backpack to carry all of the above.

LOL soul. Thanks alot guys really good info. I'm super stoked now Going to start soon. Rock climbing guided instruction and rock climbing classes at Joshua Tree National Park and Tahquitz and Suicide Rocks, Idyllwild. Seems like a good start. I think paying for some initial instruction will pay off and get me going quicker.

talk to your guide about the areas you are likely to be climbing at regularly to get an idea of the equipment you will need. my first experience with rock pro was building a TR anchor at an area with no trees and the guide was able to tell me the exact peices I would need as opposed to up and buying an entire rack.

What you don't see on that list is the fact that it is not a one-time deal. Most likely, you will need a new pair of shoes after 4-6 months. And depending on which shoes you like, they might set you back as much as $170 for a regular-price.

Slings and dogbones getting old, cams needing re-slinging, worn out 'biners, etc. etc. It is more or less continuous process. I don't think there had been a single year when I have not bought or replaced some climbing equipment.

Oh, and you would also need some kind of bag or backpack to carry all of the above.

helmet ... 50$ rope ... 100$ anchor material ... 50$ quickdraws if leading sport ... 150$ trad rack if leading trad ... varies but say 500$ free gas and beer for someone who knows they are doing to take a newbie out ... varies

fun you have climbing outside instead of surfing the intrawebs ... priceless

I would say this price list is a little bit out of date or optimistic. You would have to scour a lot of sales to get all of these items at these prices. For the MSRP of the average item, add about 50% to everything.

What you don't see on that list is the fact that it is not a one-time deal. Most likely, you will need a new pair of shoes after 4-6 months. And depending on which shoes you like, they might set you back as much as $170 for a regular-price.

Slings and dogbones getting old, cams needing re-slinging, worn out 'biners, etc. etc. It is more or less continuous process. I don't think there had been a single year when I have not bought or replaced some climbing equipment.

Oh, and you would also need some kind of bag or backpack to carry all of the above.

What you don't see on that list is the fact that it is not a one-time deal. Most likely, you will need a new pair of shoes after 4-6 months. And depending on which shoes you like, they might set you back as much as $170 for a regular-price.

Slings and dogbones getting old, cams needing re-slinging, worn out 'biners, etc. etc. It is more or less continuous process. I don't think there had been a single year when I have not bought or replaced some climbing equipment.

Oh, and you would also need some kind of bag or backpack to carry all of the above.

What you don't see on that list is the fact that it is not a one-time deal. Most likely, you will need a new pair of shoes after 4-6 months. And depending on which shoes you like, they might set you back as much as $170 for a regular-price.

Slings and dogbones getting old, cams needing re-slinging, worn out 'biners, etc. etc. It is more or less continuous process. I don't think there had been a single year when I have not bought or replaced some climbing equipment.

Oh, and you would also need some kind of bag or backpack to carry all of the above.

helmet ... 50$ rope ... 100$ anchor material ... 50$ quickdraws if leading sport ... 150$ trad rack if leading trad ... varies but say 500$ free gas and beer for someone who knows they are doing to take a newbie out ... varies

fun you have climbing outside instead of surfing the intrawebs ... priceless

I would say this price list is a little bit out of date or optimistic. You would have to scour a lot of sales to get all of these items at these prices. For the MSRP of the average item, add about 50% to everything.

I noticed that bearbreeder was a little on the low end and njrox a little on the high end for some items. It gives you a decent idea of the range you might fall in depending on deals and your choices. http://www.spadout.com is a good site for comparison shopping.

Sometimes new climbers search for package deals, as it seems like the easiest way to get what you need. I've found you can often get better deals buying things individually. Packages may include things you don't really need, or higher-cost items when less expensive brands are really comparable.

What you don't see on that list is the fact that it is not a one-time deal. Most likely, you will need a new pair of shoes after 4-6 months. And depending on which shoes you like, they might set you back as much as $170 for a regular-price.

Slings and dogbones getting old, cams needing re-slinging, worn out 'biners, etc. etc. It is more or less continuous process. I don't think there had been a single year when I have not bought or replaced some climbing equipment.

Oh, and you would also need some kind of bag or backpack to carry all of the above.

And you didn't even mention to pice of gas for when you're really hooked and willing to do a 10 hour drive for a 3 day weekend!

But when you really look at it these recurring costs aren't that much when you consider how the average person spends their weekends (spending money going out to dinner, clubs, etc).

You don't go out to dinner and clubs after a day of climbing?!

Ugh, I knew i was hanging out with the wrong crowd.

If there's a new club that's recently opened at the RRG I'll be game to check it out this weekend. Just be aware I'll likely be falling asleep by midnight (this is where that whole "wrong crowd" thing comes in doesn't it....).

What you don't see on that list is the fact that it is not a one-time deal. Most likely, you will need a new pair of shoes after 4-6 months. And depending on which shoes you like, they might set you back as much as $170 for a regular-price.

Slings and dogbones getting old, cams needing re-slinging, worn out 'biners, etc. etc. It is more or less continuous process. I don't think there had been a single year when I have not bought or replaced some climbing equipment.

Oh, and you would also need some kind of bag or backpack to carry all of the above.

And you didn't even mention to pice of gas for when you're really hooked and willing to do a 10 hour drive for a 3 day weekend!

But when you really look at it these recurring costs aren't that much when you consider how the average person spends their weekends (spending money going out to dinner, clubs, etc).

You don't go out to dinner and clubs after a day of climbing?!

Ugh, I knew i was hanging out with the wrong crowd.

If there's a new club that's recently opened at the RRG I'll be game to check it out this weekend. Just be aware I'll likely be falling asleep by midnight (this is where that whole "wrong crowd" thing comes in doesn't it....).

I'll be falling asleep right there beside you. And I think the closest club would be in Lexington.

I would say this price list is a little bit out of date or optimistic. You would have to scour a lot of sales to get all of these items at these prices. For the MSRP of the average item, add about 50% to everything.

bull

eldrid jay harness 43$ ... 39$ with 10% off discount when you buy a package

so i had the total of draws and rack at 650$ ... real sport/trad cost is 580$ ... you can spend the difference on a few slings, cord, etc ...

my total OVERALL cost i had as 1020$ ...real total over all cost of what i listed is REALLY 897$ without tax

so i was a bit off on the HIGH side

again this is all name brand equipment from major canadian retailers at regular prices/discounts/coupon codes ... no seasonal specials or clearance

one of the biggest and IMO stupidest things is for new climbers to go off believing they have to spend $$$$$$ to go climbing ... or that $$$$$$ gear will keep you safer than cheaper but reliable gear from good manufacturers ...

just like those people who NEED a 200$ dry treated duodess rope to TR ... or NEED TC Pros to do 5.7s indoors

so i had the total of draws and rack at 650$ ... real sport/trad cost is 580$ ... you can spend the difference on a few slings, cord, etc ...

my total OVERALL cost i had as 1020$ ...real total over all cost of what i listed is REALLY 897$ without tax

so i was a bit off on the HIGH side

again this is all name brand equipment from major canadian retailers at regular prices/discounts/coupon codes ... no seasonal specials or clearance

one of the biggest and IMO stupidest things is for new climbers to go off believing they have to spend $$$$$$ to go climbing ... or that $$$$$$ gear will keep you safer than cheaper but reliable gear from good manufacturers ...

just like those people who NEED a 200$ dry treated duodess rope to TR ... or NEED TC Pros to do 5.7s indoors

I would say this price list is a little bit out of date or optimistic. You would have to scour a lot of sales to get all of these items at these prices. For the MSRP of the average item, add about 50% to everything.

bull

eldrid jay harness 43$ ... 39$ with 10% off discount when you buy a package

so i had the total of draws and rack at 650$ ... real sport/trad cost is 580$ ... you can spend the difference on a few slings, cord, etc ...

my total OVERALL cost i had as 1020$ ...real total over all cost of what i listed is REALLY 897$ without tax

so i was a bit off on the HIGH side

again this is all name brand equipment from major canadian retailers at regular prices/discounts/coupon codes ... no seasonal specials or clearance

one of the biggest and IMO stupidest things is for new climbers to go off believing they have to spend $$$$$$ to go climbing ... or that $$$$$$ gear will keep you safer than cheaper but reliable gear from good manufacturers ...

just like those people who NEED a 200$ dry treated duodess rope to TR ... or NEED TC Pros to do 5.7s indoors

Those are mostly in Canadian dollars, right? I'm not sure what the exchange rate is right now, I don't think it is far off of 1:1. Any idea if these items cost the same here in the US? Are Canadian prices representative of other places, or is Canada an outlier?